Research and Productivity

This short paper deals with the subject of research and its relation to productivity. Ali who have stopped to even think about industrial research and its impact on the national economy take for granted that research and development are prerequisite to increased productivity. It is another matter, however, to identify and properly evaluate the many factors entering into the relationship between the two. Some studies are currently underway in the United States on the subject, but, so far, nothing much in the way of conclusive data has come to light. In Canada, we have not yet even produced any statistical figures on national productivity, although work is now being done on this subject and information will soon be available. The usefulness of being able to measure the benefits of investment in research and development in terms of industrial growth or productivity need not be laboured for the benefit of those interested in research management. Although a well-documented paper on how to measure the benefits of research in relation to industrial growth or productivity would be of vital interest, the following remarks will have to be confined to a discussion of some of the broader aspects linking the two in an attempt to attach some significant meaning to the relationship.